First Drinks has appointed Rod Eslamieh as its first ever full time brand ambassador for its Illva-owned brands – Disaronno, Tia Maria and Isolabella.

Eslamieh will spend most of his time working on Disaronno and Tia Maria. His remit is to generate brand awareness and trial by training bartenders on the perfect serve – promoting the brands’ versatility and use in cocktails. He will also host master classes and consumer facing events for the brands.

Eslamieh has joined First Drinks with more than 10 years’ on-trade experience. Most recently, Eslamieh owned and ran his own bar, The Old Fire Station in London, but has also worked for Pernod Ricard and Bacardi Brown Forman in brand training roles.

First Drinks Disaronno brand manager Sam Bovill, said: “We are thrilled to have Rod on board to further build Tia Maria and Disaronno in the UK. Having someone in this role on a full time basis further demonstrates our investment and commitment to the brand in the UK.”